"The decision today by Athletic Director Tim Pernetti to resign is appropriate and necessary given the events of the past six months," Christie said in a statement released this afternoon. "I commend President Barchi for his decisive leadership in coming to an agreement with Mr. Pernetti to have the Athletic Department of Rutgers University come under new leadership."

Pernetti stepped down today in the wake of the controversial firing of men's basketball coach Mike Rice, who was shown in videotapes cursing at players, using gay slurs and throwing basketballs at them during practice.

Labeling the controversy "regrettable," Christie looked ahead, listing the state university's accomplishments, including the recent restructuring of higher education in the state, and said there are challenges ahead:

"This entire incident was regrettable and while it has damaged the reputation of our state University, we need to move forward now on a number of fronts which provide great opportunities for Rutgers' future," Christie said. "Completing the ground-breaking merger agreement with UMDNJ. Preparing for our academic and athletic entry into the Big 10 conference. Implementing Rutgers’ share of New Jersey's $1.3 billion capital commitment to higher education. Finally, conducting a national search for a new athletic director and a new men's basketball coach for athletic competition next year and in 2014 for our entry to the Big 10."

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Christie has been on a family vacation out of the country since the video showing Rice's behavior surfaced Tuesday. He is expected back in New Jersey on Sunday.

"I want to thank Tim Pernetti for his many contributions to Rutgers as a student, athlete and athletic director and for taking responsibility for his role in this difficult episode in the 250 year history of Rutgers University," the governor said of Pernetti, a former Rutgers football player.

First Lady Mary Pat Christie said last year Pernetti presented her charity, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, a check for thousands of dollars from T-shirt sale proceeds.

Earlier today, New Jersey's top two lawmakers, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney and state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, issued statements applauding Pernetti's decision. Oliver took it a step further, saying Rutgers still has many questions to answer.